It’s challenging to catch a slab leak before the moisture causes severe foundation damage. By the time you realize something is wrong, erosion may have occurred and caused cracking or sinking. You can avoid the need for slab foundation repair by calling your plumber as soon as you notice these symptoms of a leak.
Increased Water Waste
You won’t necessarily have to wait for a utility bill to notice excessive water waste. As a general rule, you should regularly check your water meter. Look at the readout or dial when no one is using the home’s water to shower, wash dishes, etc. If the dial is spinning, you likely have a slab leak or another hidden leak.
When you do notice unusual meter activity, arrange for immediate plumbing services. In the meantime, shut off your home’s main water valve. This will prevent additional water waste while you wait for repairs.
Slab Foundation Erosion
There are many benefits of slab foundations, and most of them are the result of using a sturdy concrete base. However, when there is a slab leak, moisture gets trapped in the soil beneath the concrete, and this speeds up the process of erosion. While your slab can stand up against moisture, long-term exposure causes the material underneath to erode and crumble.
What Causes My Slab Foundation to Heave?
Moisture causes the soil beneath your slab foundation to expand. Through the expansion process, thicker and heavier soil will lift the slab and cause uneven heaving. While rainfall is one cause of excessive soil moisture, hidden leaks can also cause this problem. This is another reason to repair a slab leak as early as possible.
Changes in Your Floors
You’ll need emergency plumbing repair for a slab leak if you notice changes in your home’s floors. For example, warm water leaking from the slab will heat your floors. Schedule a plumbing inspection if your floors feel warm.
A severe or ongoing leak causes the wood subfloor to absorb moisture. Very quickly, your floor will feel soft or weak as you walk on it.
Can Mold Grow on My Concrete Slab?
Mold is more commonly found on organic surfaces, such as wood or drywall. Mold needs those materials to consume as nourishment. However, mold can also grow on concrete. The porous nature of concrete traps moisture and promotes mold growth. You’ll need immediate slab leak repair if you notice that the slab is usually wet.
Reduced Water Pressure
Ask your plumber to perform leak detection if you notice changes in water pressure. When there’s less water flowing through the system, the pressure will drop. For this reason, plumbers offer leak detection along with drain cleaning and other plumbing maintenance services.
Your plumber will use leak detection technology to confirm and locate the leak. From there, you can make an informed decision about the repairs.
Trust the Leading Experts to Repair Your Slab Leak
When you partner with Holloway Plumbing, we’ll always respond to your need for plumbing services. We’ll speedily answer your calls and accurately diagnose your plumbing problems. Trust our team with your slab foundation leak repair needs. Contact us to schedule service today!
